The safest thing to do with an old driver’s license is to destroy it so no one can use your name, address, and license number. You can shred it, cut it into small pieces, or hand it back to your local DMV. A few states want you to mail it in, and you will find those listed below.
Do not just toss a whole license in the trash. The number and the barcode on the back can be enough for someone to open accounts in your name. It takes about one minute to ruin it first, so it is worth doing.
Should You Keep Your Old License or Get Rid of It?
Most of the time, you do not need to keep an expired or replaced license. Still, there are two common reasons people hold on to one.
- As a backup ID. An expired license can sometimes help prove who you are if your current one gets lost or stolen. It is not valid for driving or flying, but it can be handy at the bank or the DMV.
- As a keepsake. Some people like to save their very first license or a funny old photo. If that is you, store it somewhere safe, not in your wallet.
If you keep one, punch a hole through it or clip a corner so it clearly reads as void. Then lock it in a drawer or a small safe. Leaving it loose in a junk drawer is how it ends up in the wrong hands. The same care goes for other personal papers, like old diplomas and old photos you want to protect.
How to Destroy an Old Driver’s License
You have a few easy choices. Pick the one that fits what you already have at home.
Shred It
A cross-cut shredder is the fastest way. Feed the license through so the number and barcode come out in tiny pieces. A basic straight-cut shredder is not enough, because those long strips can be taped back together.
Cut It Up by Hand
No shredder? Strong scissors work just fine. Cut through your photo, the barcode on the back, and the license number. Then drop the pieces into two different trash bags so nothing stays whole. This same trick works great for junk mail that has your address on it.
Skip the Burning
Some older guides tell you to burn it. We do not suggest that. Most licenses are plastic, so burning one gives off black smoke and a bad smell, and it can be a fire risk indoors. Shredding or cutting is safer and just as final.
Mailing or Returning It to the DMV
Some states let you give the old license back so they can destroy it for you. That is a good choice if you would rather not deal with it yourself. Call your local office first or check their website, since these rules can change. Here is what several states currently say.
- California: Return it to a local DMV office or mail it to Department of Motor Vehicles, P.O. Box 942890, Sacramento, CA 94290-0001.
- Florida: No special rule, but the state asks you to destroy the old card to prevent identity theft.
- Idaho: Drop it at a local DMV office, or cut it into pieces yourself.
- Illinois: Return it to a local office or mail it to Secretary of State, Driver Services Department, 2701 S. Dirksen Parkway, Springfield, IL 62723.
- Kansas: Return it to a local DMV office.
- Maine: Return it locally or mail it to Bureau of Motor Vehicles, Driver License Services Division, 29 State House Station, Augusta, ME 04333-0029.
- Maryland: Return it locally or mail it to Motor Vehicle Administration, Driver Services Division, 6601 Ritchie Highway, N.E., Glen Burnie, MD 21062.
- North Dakota: Return it locally or mail it to North Dakota DOT, Driver License Division, 608 E. Boulevard Ave., Bismarck, ND 58505-0700.
- Ohio: Return it locally or mail it to Ohio BMV, Attn: License Verification Unit, P.O. Box 16520, Columbus, OH 43216-6520.
- South Carolina: Return it locally or mail it to SCDMV, P.O. Box 1498, Blythewood, SC 29016-0008.
Live somewhere else? Your state DMV website will tell you in a minute. When in doubt, just shred it at home.
What About REAL ID and Renewing?
If you are trading in your old card for a REAL ID (the kind with a star in the top corner), you handle the old one the same way: destroy it or return it. When you renew, the DMV usually asks for proof of who you are, where you live, and in many states a quick vision check. If you wear glasses or contacts, bring them along. Getting new frames too? Here is what to do with old eyeglasses.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my expired driver’s license as ID?
Sometimes, for low-key things like picking up a package or proving your name. It is not valid for driving or for boarding a flight. For air travel you now need a REAL ID, a passport, or another approved ID.
Is it safe to throw an old license in the trash?
No. The number and barcode can be used for identity theft. Always shred or cut it up first.
Do I have to return my old license when I get a new one?
It depends on your state. Some take it back at the counter when you renew. Others let you keep it as long as you punch a hole to mark it void. Check the state list above.
How do I destroy a license with a chip or barcode?
Cut straight through the barcode and any chip, then split the pieces between two trash bags. That makes the data impossible to read.